Loading ...On Commenting
Recently, our newspaper implented registration for commenting on stories. There have been issues with getting the registration confirmation emails working, and I’m told that it’s being worked on. There is a workaround, and though it’s a bit clunky, it will work.
If you are unable to click on the confirmation link when you register, you can copy and paste the link into your browser (Most people use Internet Explorer, though personally, I recommend switching to Firefox.) You should be able to complete the registration process that way.
Other users have complained that requiring registration limits free speech. I ask, “How do you figure?” You’re free to register and post comments. How, exactly, does it limit you?
Managing Editor Bill Dunn explained it to one user much better than I ever could. Below is one user’s complaint about the registration requirement:
It is hard to believe your paper now requires a log in to voice the citizens
opinion. It is very evident the citizens of GI are very unhappy with the
current actions of our city leaders. The citizens of GI need to be heard
without the attempts to quite us. Please remember we live in a Democracy,
and please stop trying to take the side of Socialism.
And this is Bill’s response:
Democracy involves making your voice heard. We require a real name and address for publication in the newspaper opinion section. We think anyone can shoot their mouth off anonymously. I don’t pay attention to anonymous letters. They are thrown away immediately. Individuals with conviction and character are not afraid to say who they are and stand behind their words. It has been that way for decades in this newspaper and will remain that way.
As far as the website, all we ask is for a registration. I would recommend that if you have issues with the city leaders, register on the web site, (like you must at any respectable site) and fire away with your comments. There is nothing socialist about that. The registration is required by our company owners in New York.
I would even urge you to write a letter to the city leaders that you are concerned about. I would also urge you to set up a meeting with them, or at least your council representative. That is true one-on-one democracy.
I invite and urge you to voice your opinions loudly, with articulate and well-reasoned arguments in the both the newspaper and on the website. That is what they are designed for — to preserve democracy.
We will keep working on fixing the problems with registration. But we are unable to disable the function and it won’t be going away in the forseeable future.
June 26th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
I agree with Mr. Dunn.
Any opinion that’s worthwhile should be worth including a name and an address.
Any potshot can make accusations or allegations toward anyone, if they are allowed to do it under the cover of being anonymous.
If we agree, or disagree with Louise Miller, the lady at least has the courage and conviction to say what she believes. Those that write the nicey nice things show little imagination and even less commitment to whatever topic they address publicly. In my opinion, they do nothing to benefit the community.
I would be more than happy to submit an Opinion piece every 2 weeks regarding the incompetence, stubborness and lack of accountability these current Council members exhibit.
As a life long resident of G.I., I’ve yet to witness the type of ineptness displayed by this current group of elected officials.
Lastly, if you choose to blast someone or a group of people, at least have the courage to include your name and address, otherwise, all your energy is lost because no reputable newspaper is going to allow that type of format.